Charles N'Zogbia: The extent of his Achilles tendon injury is not yet known

The winger has had surgery after sustaining the injury while keeping fit during a break in the United States.

It is unclear how long the 27-year-old may be out of action and Roddy MacDonald, Villa's head of sport and exercise medicine, is flying to Miami to assess N'Zogbia before returning with him to Birmingham.

"It is a big blow for me," said N'Zogbia.

"The bad luck is following me at the moment. To hurt my leg on holiday is strange. You usually get those injuries in games, not on holiday.

"I hope to come back quickly from this injury and help Aston Villa next season."

till I suppose it still gives him at least another year in the job. By the time it comes around , he can always make up another excuse. First it was 3 months , then a year .....Next year ? Whats his excuse with Van Persie ?